STUDIO CONDENSER MICROPHONES

C2

A50-26313-00002
User Manual
STUDIO CONDENSER MICROPHONES C2
1. Safety precautions
Please read all safety precautions and operating instructions before at-
tempting to operate the unit. Keep all safety precautions and operating
instructions for future reference.

Water and moisture:

Condenser microphones are extremely moisture-sensitive. Never use your
microphone in close proximity to water (e.g. bath tubs, wash basins, sinks,
washing machines, pools, etc.). When doing voice recordings, always use
the enclosed windscreen to safely protect the capsule from moisture.

Power supply:
Always use the power supply specified in the operating instructions.

Damage:
Take care not to drop your microphone as this can lead to severe damage.
BEHRINGER assumes no liability for any damage caused by the user.

Service and care:

After each use, wipe the microphone down with a soft cloth and place
it back into its protective casing (included with the microphone). Then,
lay the small bag containing the moisture-absorbing crystals on top of
the microphone head.

2. Introduction
Congratulations! By purchasing the BEHRINGER C2, you have obtained
2 condenser microphones that offer the highest quality standards and the
best audio characteristics.
Both microphones have been matched to one another (matched pair),
and are therefore particularly well-suited for stereo recordings. Of course,
you can also use the microphones individually.
Their outstanding characteristics make these microphones a valuable
tool in the sudio and on the stage.

3. Power supply
Phantom power (+48 V) is required to operate your microphone. We
assume no liability for damage caused to your C2 through deffective
phantom power. Before activating phantom power, mute your playback
system and connect the C2 to the microphone input of your mixing con-
sole. After activating phantom power, the C2 requires several seconds
to stabilize itself.

2 Power supply
 STUDIO CONDENSER MICROPHONES C2
4. Pickup patterns
Both microphones feature a capsule with a cardioid pickup pattern.
Microphones with this polar pattern are most sensitive to sound coming
from in front of the microphone, and also to a lesser extent from the sides.
Sound coming from behind the microphone will be greatly attenuated. This
makes the caqrdioid polar pattern most suitable for recording individual
instruments or vocals within a group.
The so-called proximity effect is typical for microphones with the cardioid
pickup pattern. Depending on the distance between the microphone and
the sound source, a slight increase in the lower frequency range occurs.
The shorter the distance, the more pronounced this effect. By cleverly
selecting the position and the angle of your microphone, you can effectively
manipulate the proximity effect and thus affect how your recording sounds.
Experiment with various positions in order to gain more experience.

5. Possible applications
Both microphones have been matched to one another (matched pair).
Therefore, they are particularly well-suited for stereo recordings. Regard-
less of whether you are miking an entire ensemble or a single sound
source (e.g. drums, piano or background vocals), this pair of condenser
microphones lets you achieve outstanding spatial impressions in every
recording session.
Of course, you can use your microphones individually as well. A cardioid
pattern capsule is often used in recording situations in which several sound
sources are present. Since this capsule selectively tones down the pickup
of sounds located to the side of the microphone, this way you can achieve
good separation of sound sources, thus easily avoiding feedback.

6. Low cut-filter andsignal level

attenuation (10dB)
The C2 studio microphones feature a switchable low-cut filter that lets
you eliminate low-frequency disturbances such as subsonic noise. Set
the switch to its middle position to activate the low-cut filter.
A switchable level attenuation is provided on your C2s for applications
in which the microphones are exposed to extremely high sound pres-
sures. When the switch is in its 10dBposition, the level attenuation
is activated.
When the switch is in its top-most position, the signal is not influenced
in any way.

Low cut-filter andsignal level attenuation (10dB) 3

STUDIO CONDENSER MICROPHONES C2
7. Microphone installation
To attach the microphones to the microphone stands, two clamps are
included with the delivery. First screw a clamp onto the stand before
attacting the microphone itself.

8. Audio connection
Use a balanced XLR microphone cable with the following pin assignment:
pin1=shielding; pin2=+; pin3=-. Since your C2 features gold-plated
contact points throughout, we recommend that you use only microphone
cables with gold-plated connectors.

9. Level setting / adjusting the basic sound

Adjust the gain control in the microphone channel of your mixing console
so that the peak LED lights up only occasionally or never at all. The EQ
controls in the microphone channel should be set to mid-travel position to
start with; low-cut filter and signal level attenunation should be switched
off. To get the sound you want, try changing the mic position relative to
the sound source or even move the microphone around in the recording
room of your studio. Adjusting the angle at which walls face the sound
source can also be helpful. Only when the desired basic sound has been
achieved, should you start to use equalizers and signal processors, if any
at all. Remember: less is often more!

10. Warranty
For our current warranty terms, please refer to our website at http://www.
behringer.com, or call +49 2154 9206 4166.

11. Specifications
Transducer type condenser, 16 mm (0.63'')
Operating principle pressure gradient
Polar pattern cardioid
Connector gold-plated balanced XLR connector
Open circuit sensitivity (@1kHz) 41dBV (0dBV = 1V/Pa)
Frequency response 20Hz to 20kHz
level attenuation 10dB, switchable
Low-cut filter 6dB/oct.@120Hz (switchable)
Max. SPL (1%THD@1kHz) 140dB (0dB), 150dB (10dB)
Equivalent noise level (IEC651) 19dBA
Signal-to-noise ratio 75dB
Nominal impedance 75
Load impedance > 1k
Supply voltage +48V
4 Specifications
 STUDIO CONDENSER MICROPHONES C2
Supply current 3mA
Dimensions shaft:0.8", length:3.7"
(shaft:20mm, length:94mm)
Weight approx. 0.2lbs (approx. 0.09kg)

Fig. 11.1: Polar pattern

Fig. 11.2: Frequency response

BEHRINGER is constantly striving to maintain the highest professional standards. As a result of
these efforts, modifications may be made from time to time to existing products without prior notice.
Specifications and appearance may differ from those listed or illustrated.

Technical specifications and appearance are subject to change without notice. The information con-
tained herein is correct at the time of printing. All trademarks (except BEHRINGER, the BEHRINGER
logo, JUST LISTEN and C2) mentioned belong to their respective owners, and such use neither
constitutes a claim of the trademarks by BEHRINGER nor affiliation of the trademark owners with
BEHRINGER. BEHRINGER accepts no liability for any loss which may be suffered by any person who
relies either wholly or in part upon any description, photograph or statement contained herein. Colors
and specifications may vary slightly from product. Our products are sold through authorized dealers
only. Distributors and dealers are not agents of BEHRINGER and have absolutely no authority to bind
BEHRINGER by any express or implied undertaking or representation. This manual is copyrighted.
No part of this manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or
mechanical, including photocopying and recording of any kind, for any purpose, without the express
written permission of BEHRINGER International GmbH.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 2008 BEHRINGER International GmbH,
HannsMartinSchleyerStr.36-38, 47877WillichMuenchheideII, Germany.
Tel.+49215492060, Fax+49215492064903

Specifications 5